There was no word on why he chose to leave at the end of 2017. In any case, a change in administration is a timely opportunity for new leadership in the city police department. Mayor-elect Helfrich deserves a chance to put his imprint on the department – as crime and the city’s response to it was a top issue in the recent election. More work obviously needs to be done in the neighborhoods, scene of an alarming number of shootings recently in York.

That said, by any measure, Chief Kahley has had a distinguished career in the department and has served our city well.

Some accomplishments listed in a recent YDR story:

York Mayor Kim Bracey announced that Chief Wes Kahley is retiring. He was recognized during a swearing-in ceremony for seven new probationary officers.(Photo: Submitted)

He worked to address crime in downtown York and strengthen law enforcement and community relations.

He created neighborhood enforcement units to help solve problems in communities. The officers assigned to the units got to know businesses, residents and landlords in the neighborhoods where they worked.

The department also worked to reduce gun violence and use community groups to connect people with resources. It is known as Group Violence Intervention. And Chief Kahley often touted significant reductions in violent crime in York.

He helped establish the Route 222 Corridor Anti-Gang Initiative.

He created the first gang symposium last year.

He was a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and was commander of the Red Shirts Unit, the day work patrol platoon, and the detective unit.

So, he richly deserves citizens’ thanks for a lifetime of protecting and serving.

Looking to the future, who will succeed him?

Mr. Helfrich said he will be looking “everywhere” for a new chief.

The department already has some top-shelf talent: Capt. Tim Utley and Capt. Troy Bankert are two who come immediately to mind. So, the new mayor might well find a chief in the current department.

Promoting from within has seemed to work better than hiring from without. York chiefs brought in from the outside seem to have struggled to gain the trust and respect from the rank and file.

If Mr. Helfrich does decide to hire from outside the department, he might look for some promising local talent. For instance, right next door in West York.

West York Borough Police Chief Matt Millsaps.(Photo: Submitted)

Chief Matt Millsaps has shown an impressive knack for community relations.

He’s open and accessible to people – just like Mr. Helfrich.

If you missed the chief’s recent guest column in the YDR, check it out. It’s a must read. He tells the story of an encounter with a young man that resulted in the chief giving the man a hat to keep warm rather than arresting him.

Chief Millsaps is also promoting good ideas to keep kids away from crime. Here’s a recent post on the borough’s Facebook page:

Throughout 2018, We would like to run a series of one (1) day workshops targeting local & underprivileged kids & teens to teach them various mediums of art: Screen Printing, Street Photography, Sketching / Journaling, painting, videography, even sewing beanies and drawing tattoos are all ideas. We want kids to shoot photos, not guns; sell a silk screened book bag, not a dime bag; make a beanie, don't steal one; paint a mural, not a graffiti tag.

Love that idea! This is the kind of innovative thinking we need in York City – with open lines of communication.

Obviously, running a small department such as West York’s is an order of magnitude different than running one of our county’s largest law enforcement agencies.

But even if Mr. Millsaps isn’t the right fit, here’s hoping Mr. Helfrich will choose someone with similar skill sets.

So, thanks for the good work, Chief Kahley. We wish you well in future endeavors.

And good luck to Mayor-elect Helfrich in finding someone to fill the chief’s very large shoes.